Oduber, P-Nats pull away from Winston-Salem

WOODBRIDGE, Va. (Aug. 6, 2014) - For a second straight evening, the Potomac Nationals never trailed in a lopsided win over Winston-Salem. On Wednesday, the P-Nats claimed a 10-2 victory at Pfitzner Stadium behind a six-RBI effort from Randolph Oduber.

Potomac (25-18, 63-49) once again surged ahead with a big third inning. Brandon Miller began the frame with a bang, crushing the first pitch beyond the boards in left-center field. Oduber's three-run blast capped the inning and added all the cushion the P-Nats would need.

One inning later, the Nationals elevated the advantage. Isaac Ballou, who is 4-for-8 with three extra-base hits in the series, doubled home a pair, and he scored on a groundout from Oduber.

All eight of those runs came around against Winston-Salem starter James Dykstra (2-1), who surrendered a career-high eight runs over three and a third innings. Dykstra had posted a 2.70 earned run average in his first four High-A starts, all of which accompanied Winston-Salem victories.

Oduber provided the exclamation point in the eighth inning. His two-run blast to right wrapped up the P-Nats' scoring. Before this multi-homer showing, Oduber had only clubbed three homers in his first 102 games of the season.

The Dash's lone scoring frame came in the eighth. Keon Barnum, who mustered two of Winston-Salem's three hits, kicked off the inning with a single, and he scored on a triple by newcomer Jake Peter. Peter then touched home thanks to a groundout from Cleuluis Rondon.

Potomac starter Matthew Spann (8-5) blanked Winston-Salem over six innings, during which he permitted just one hit. In this series, Nationals starters have scattered four knocks over 12 shutout frames.

Winston-Salem hopes to avoid a sweep and clinch a season series split against the P-Nats in the two clubs' final regular season meeting. First pitch is set for 12:05 p.m., and the game can be heard on 600 AM-WSJS in Winston-Salem and online at wsjs.com.

Left-hander Carlos Rodon (0-0, 6.00 ERA), the third overall pick in this year's MLB Draft, will make his first High-A start. The former NC State star will be toeing the rubber for the third time with Winston-Salem and the fifth time as a professional. Rodon opposes Potomac righty Ian Dickson (3-8, 5.27 ERA).

The Dash return home Tuesday, August 12, for a quick three-game homestand against the Lynchburg Hillcats (Atlanta Braves). The opener of the series features a postgame fireworks show and $1 hot dogs! For tickets, call the Dash at (336) 714-2287 or visit wsdash.com.